DRAFT TRACKER 2023

Between the abbreviated 2020 season and an injury-shortened 2022 campaign, Musgrave’s snaps have been somewhat limited, but it’s easy to like what he’s put on tape. His route running harkens back to his slalom days with nimble feet and smooth hips helping to generate rhythm and separation in and out of breaks. He needs a little more bulk for combat in the trenches, but he offers what evaluators are looking for in technique, strain and demeanor. Musgrave has starter potential and should gain a coveted slot on draft boards from teams looking to add versatility to their 12 personnel (two tight ends) packages.

Move tight end whose premium talent as a pass-catcher will be the primary focus for evaluators. Kincaid is a fluid route runner with the athleticism and play speed to create mismatches against lesser coverage. Impeccable ball skills and sticky hands allow him to tilt 50/50 contested throws in his favor. He lacks the play strength and technique to work in-line, but can handle some positional blocking in space from time to time. Kincaid can manage a more extended route tree, allowing calculating play-callers to open up the entire field and stress coverages. He will need to acclimate to a more physical/athletic brand of coverage, but should blossom into a weapon.

Big combination tight end with the demeanor for run blocking and the size for tough, chain-moving catches underneath. Mayer will come into the league with better blocking technique than most tight ends in this year’s draft. He’s built for in-line duty and was an extension of the Notre Dame offensive line at times. His feet are a little heavy getting into and through his routes, but he has the hand strength and contact balance to win heavily contested catches on the first two levels. Mayer might need to polish his route running to become a high-volume target, but he’s a safe pick and will be a good pro who can become a plus player as a run blocker and pass catcher.

In-line tight end with rare size and power at the point of attack to help soften defensive edges up front. Despite sloppy overall technique, Washington can be effective at moving defenders when he’s centered on his block. He must improve his footwork and hand usage, as NFL defenders will slip away from his clutches more easily if he’s unsound. He plods into his routes but catches with above-average focus and can be a handful to bring down. Washington could become a dominant run blocker with better technique, which makes me wonder if a team might give him a look at offensive tackle at some point in his career.

Versatile combination tight end capable of performing a variety of tasks in one-, two- or three-tight end sets. Schoonmaker steps foot on the field ready for action as a run blocker and does a nice job of competing in the entry and sustain phases of the block. He will need to add more muscle and play strength but already has a feel for creating run-lane angles with his footwork. He has the athletic talent to run a slightly expanded route tree, but he needs to do a better job of competing aggressively for catch space and meeting throws with extended hands. He could see action early but might need a year or so before he works himself into a full-time TE2 role.

Combination tight end with the projectable skill set to handle pass-catching and run-blocking duties at the next level. Currently, he’s a more effective blocker in space than in-line, but that is correctable with better hand usage and proper angles of entry into his base blocks. Kraft provides formational versatility that will be appealing for teams that make heavy use of 12 personnel (two tight ends). He has the body control and catch toughness to be more than just a traditional Y tight end. Kraft has Day 2 talent and should see the field early with a chance to become a TE1.

H-back option with a compact frame and a nice blend of athleticism and toughness to fuel his game. Strange gets after it as a lead blocker, in-line or in space. There are technique issues that need to be ironed out, but the demeanor and play strength are where they need to be to succeed. While his catch production is pedestrian, he’s athletic in his routes and is an above-average runner after the catch. In a draft filled with high-quality tight end talent, Strange could fly under the radar as a future starter with the potential to operate as a hybrid, three-down talent.

Highly targeted tight end whose playing style and physical abilities land somewhere between a connected (in-line or wing) and move tight end. LaPorta has the ability to threaten zone coverage and will make the basic catches. However, he lacks the desired elusiveness and ball skills to come away with the more challenging catches. LaPorta takes on run-blocking chores with inconsistent positioning but has the potential to improve with more work in that phase of the game. His catch production is splashy, but he appears to have average-starter potential at the next level.

Smooth, athletic pass-catcher with the competitiveness to battle for playing time in the league. Whyle is an average route runner who is forced to tap the brakes when facing physical coverage, but he has the tools to uncover as a pro. He possesses the jump-ball prowess to mismatch defensive backs near the goal line and can be a nice safety blanket on pitch-and-catch throws underneath. He needs to keep adding play strength to match the rigors of the position and is better suited as a move blocker than tenacious in-line blocker near the line of scrimmage. Whyle appears to be a middle-round prospect for teams seeking an F tight end or H-back with starting upside.

There is nothing particularly exciting about watching Allen get into and through his routes, but the magic happens once the ball goes up. Allen is a human vacuum, using instinctive body positioning, mid-air adjustments and exceptional catch focus for consistent 50/50 wins. He isn’t much of a route separator, but he secures a high number of contested throws. The blocking technique is good, but the size and strength are just OK by NFL standards for in-line tight ends. Allen’s success will be determined by his ability to improve his routes or find a scheme that can free him to do his thing as a pass-catcher.

High-hipped pass-catching tight end with run blocking fortitude to mold. Latu’s lean legs and angular frame aren’t made for drive blocking or neutralizing bigger players, but he does a nice job of sustaining move blocks in space. He changes route speed to open throwing windows over the first two levels. There are some issues with focus drops at times, but he plucks throws with good hand extension when possible. Latu could have roster appeal as an F tight end with an average ceiling.

Tight end prospect who plays his position with the physicality teams will be looking for. Hill has average hands and short-area quickness. He can catch through contact, but he will drop some very catchable ones. He can play in the slot or attached as a wing. He comes off the ball ready to hit and drive until the whistle sounds. Hill’s athletic testing and willingness as a blocker help his chances of making a team.

Kuntz is expected to light up the NFL Scouting Combine with his speed and athleticism, but he’s not as fluid on tape as you might expect. He needs to keep filling out his extremely long frame, as he plays more like a big receiver than a tight end. His hands are subpar and he’s not strong enough to outwork grabby coverage or win contested catches right now. A team could view him as a Day 3 pick and stash him on the practice squad while he continues to develop.

Whiteheart has below-average size and mass for a blocking tight end, but he makes up for it with above-average grit and technique to sustain. He’s a better pass-catcher than the production might indicate. Also, he shows impressive concentration and soft hands when the ball comes his way. He’s tough but will need to get bigger and stronger to block NFL defenders, as he’s unlikely to earn a living as just a pass-catcher. Whiteheart has solid tape and could become a backup as a Day 3 draft pick.

Fant should be viewed as an NFL H-back capable of competing for a roster spot with teams willing to think outside the box. He’s too small to play tight end and isn’t a classic lead-blocking fullback, but he’s intriguing, nonetheless. Fant’s athleticism could enable him to create headaches as a route runner for linebackers, and he’s a tough runner after the catch. His hands are subpar, and his blocking can be hit-or-miss, which are obvious hindrances at this time. Keep an eye on his ability as a short-yardage option, as he flashed natural talent in that area in very limited carries for the Vols.

Undersized tight end whose speed and fluidity in space basically make him a big slot receiver. Hebert had an excellent pro day, which should put him on the map as a priority free agent. Evaluators could grow to appreciate his mismatch potential and run-after-catch talent the more tape they consume. He needs to play with better effort as a blocker, but his athleticism, explosiveness and speed could make him a developmental project for a team.

Durham possesses the measurables of a Y tight end, with the ability to compete as a blocker both in-line and on the move. He still needs to add play strength as a run blocker, though. Durham lacks the speed to threaten the seam and the functional agility to beat coverage underneath. He’s been fairly involved in the Purdue passing game and has a chance to make a team as a run-blocking tight end with the potential to make tough catches.

Productive tight end who has posted solid numbers for four consecutive years. Ford is lacking functional size and strength for the position, so he might need a highly specific role that allows him to primarily act as a pass-catcher. He’s a willing run blocker with decent technique and might have the ability to expand his role as a move blocker in space. Ford has good speed to separate on intermediate routes. He displays good toughness and focus on contested catches. He has Day 3 potential on tape, but size concerns could force him to earn his way as an undrafted free agent.

Miller is an intriguing prospect who needs to prove he can uncover in the slot against substantially better competition. He’s quick accelerating into routes but needs to become more elusive from the break point. He’s tough on contested catches, but he struggles with focus drops and bringing in off-frame tosses. Miller doesn’t have much of a special teams background and needs to get tougher as a run blocker to stand out at his position, but he might have enough talent to eventually earn a roster spot.

Move tight end with good build-up speed and adequate athleticism as a route runner. Mallory’s production was often set up by play-action and rub routes, but he has the potential to find catches on his own. He needs to play with better aggression and strength to not only own the catch space but handle run-blocking duties when called upon. Mallory has an opportunity to fight for a TE3 roster spot but competition could be tight.

Willis’ size and athletic profile leaves him lacking as both an in-line blocker and as a pass-catching option. He lacks in-line power and plays with low-burn intensity getting into blocks at times, but body control and hand strength help increase his sustain effectiveness when blocking on the move. He’s tough working into traffic, but a high percentage of his catches came with nobody around him in space. He will need to prove he can separate against man coverage outside of the Oklahoma scheme.

Sims is an undersized tight end who will give it a go as a blocker but is not strong enough or technically sound enough to handle in-line or lead-blocking duties. He’s a talented athlete who has the acceleration to uncover versus man coverage, the speed to threaten the over the top of linebackers and the talent to create after the catch. The lack of a clean positional fit limits his opportunities, but there is clearly talent to mold.

Lumpkin’s size and length will have some teams taking a close look to see if there is enough on tape to develop him as a heavy-handed Y tight end or even transition him inside to tackle. He is a decent blocker at the point of attack, with the traits and willingness to improve in that area. However, he’s unlikely to be much more than an occasional pass target sneaking out on play-action throws. His physical traits give him a chance to find a home on a practice squad while he continues to develop.

Gindorff has below average pass-catching and athletic traits for the tight end position, but plenty of potential as a blocker. His hand placement and footwork are both technically sound and he plays with some vinegar in his game as a sustain and finish blocker. Gindorff’s medicals will be critical for his opportunities moving forward. If those evaluations check out, teams might be deciding between playing him as a Y tight end or attempting to pack weight on his frame to try him as an offensive tackle.

Tight end with average size and talent as a run blocker but the tools to get a little better in that area. Baylor frequently used Sims as a wingback who was asked to base block, lead block and get into space on outside zone. As a pass-catcher, he lacks separation talent and is going to get what is given to him by the defense. Sims’ average traits mean he will likely need to be in a favorable situation to make a roster.

On paper, Patterson has the size, strength and upside to become an in-line tight end on the next level. However, he’s missed a number of games over the last two years due to injury, so proving his durability will be the priority. He played in Air Force’s option attack, so he’s well-versed at angles; he just needs to work on his hand placement and drive-blocking moving forward. He can grab catches here and there, but his best chance to make a team will be with his run-blocking -- and by maintaining his health.

Barker is a move tight end with good speed, decent ball skills and below-average consistency as a blocker. While his route running lacks focus and tempo, he does have the ability to get vertical with some success. He makes good adjustments to zone traffic, but he needs to become more combative against man coverage to clear out catch space for himself. Barker is undisciplined as a run blocker and might not offer enough in that department to truly excite teams.

Former wideout who is continuing to grow into his frame as a tight end. Ezeike lacks poise and body control getting into his blocks, but once’s he there, he displays some fight and hand strength to maintain the battle. He’s not very elusive as a route runner, but he does show decent talent after the catch. He’s a developmental prospect, but he could find his way onto a practice squad.

Stephens, who played wide receiver in college, has the size and timed speed of a pass-catching tight end. His routes aren’t very refined but he’s loose-limbed and agile enough to make improvements in that area. Stephens flashes ball skills but the consistency of his hands is in question. Making a team early on could be tough, but he might find himself stashed on a practice squad if a team believes he has the toughness to improve as a blocker and play on special teams.

Wilson doesn’t have the play strength or technique of a Y tight end and might not have the speed to threaten the seam as a pass-catching option, but it is still easy to like his game. He’s clever as a route-runner and shows an ability to create separation with decent success underneath, but he must become even more competitive on contested catches. Wilson’s run blocking needs work, but he’s willing and will have potential in that area if he can get much stronger.

Vokolek always seems to be in a big hurry, which causes him to play without the technique and body control he needs to maintain consistency at the point of attack. He has great size but lacks the wingspan and hand strength to impose that size as a block-sustainer. Vokolek is a below-average receiving threat, so he will need to improve his technique and his performance as a run blocker to win a spot as an in-line option off the bench or on a practice squad.

Caffrey is unlikely to be drafted, but his frame and run-blocking potential are worth keeping an eye on. He fits up blocks with decent technique and already shows a natural fluidity to his combo blocks. He won’t be much of a receiving threat, so he will need to get stronger and become a salty, physical run blocker if he’s going to get an NFL opportunity.

Jenkins might not have the game tape or production to be drafted, but it’s hard to ignore his size, length and willingness to block at an above-average level. While he was a wideout at Georgia Tech, he might be able to rebrand as a slot tight end with the ability to help in the running game.

Taylor’s measurables are worthy of NFL consideration, and he’s more slippery as a pass-catcher than his stats might indicate. While he lined up as a connected tight end at Cincinnati, he will need to improve his core strength to handle NFL defenders across from him. His athleticism could lead to a more expanded role as a pro, but Taylor might need to prove he can take on special teams duties in order to fight for a TE3/TE4 spot on a roster.

As a pass-catcher, Allen showed some signs of putting together a strong 2022 campaign until a leg injury ended his season. He’s tight-hipped and runs with an unorthodox, restricted gait but has enough straight-line speed to beat coverage in the seam from time to time. He’s raw as a route-runner but has decent ball skills. He will need to become a plus pass-catcher to have a shot, as he does not appear ready for NFL blocking duties right now.